Without music life would be a mistake. ~Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Name

Kristen

Artistic Medium

Actor/Singer/Teacher

Birthplace

Cincinnati, OH

Influences

Victoria Clark, my parents, Shirley Jones in Oklahoma, Dr. Michael Schwartzkopf, Patti Lupone, Mary Louise Parker, Kate Winslet

How it all began...

I don't ever remember not loving music and feeling the pull to create it. My dad played the piano for us all the time when I was little (he still does) and I couldn't get enough. He assigned a Joplin rag to each one of my sisters and me (our theme songs if you will). Mine was 'The Magnetic Rag'. His love and appreciation of music and musicals naturally passed on to me. I feel very fortunate as an artist to have been brought up in an environment that fostered and encouraged music and creativity. It was always seen as a a valuable pursuit.
I think the first musical I ever saw was the national tour of 42nd Street when it came through Cincinnati. I was mesmerized when they tap danced on those giant coins. I remember going to the high school musical every spring and I just couldn't wait until I could be up there in costume.

In the works...

I am working on starting my masters in a variation of Music and Performance Psychology. I also teach music and music theatre one day a week, ages 4 - 13.

Down the road...

although auditioning has been placed on the back burner, never say never. I look forward to finishing my masters, and most likely my PhD.

About me in general...

I'm just trying to be the best person I can be and somehow, in my own way, make a positive difference in the world.

if you could collaborate with/meet any artist, past or present, who would it be?

Motrya Tomycz, Sam Mendes & Leonard Berstein